Carlton has made a statement at the selection table by dropping two stars ahead of Saturday’s match against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

The Blues have axed Bret Thornton and Jarrad Waite, while Brock McLean will miss with a hip injury.

Replacing the trio in the side is captain Chris Judd, who returns from suspension, small forward Jeff Garlett and elevated rookie Simon White.

White was Carlton’s fourth selection in the 2010 Rookie draft, number 56 overall. He was recruited to Carlton from Subiaco in the WAFL and represented the Blues in the NAB Challenge match against West Coast at Leederville Oval in March.

Carlton Senior Coach Brett Ratten told carltonfc.com.au that both Thornton and Waite had been down on form this season, although he conceded Waite’s circumstance may have contributed.

“Perhaps we all expected too much from Jarrad on his return from a serious knee injury and playing for the Northern Bullants will provide him with the opportunity to gain much needed confidence as he continues to return to the form that is important to the team.  Bret’s form hasn’t been great and we are looking forward to him finding some touch in the VFL,” Ratten said.

Ratten said that the inclusion of Jeff Garlett into the mix with the likes of Chris Yarran, Eddie Betts and Mitch Robinson clearly reflects the decision of the match committee that “we’re going for speed”.

 
B: White, Jamison, Joseph
HB: Armfield, Walker, Russell
C: Gibbs, Judd, Simpson
HF: Robinson, O’hAilpin, Murphy
F: Betts, Henderson, Yarran
Foll: Kreuzer, Scotland, Carrazzo
Int: Garlett, Houlihan, Lucas, Warnock
Emerg: Anderson, Hadley, Wiggins

In - Garlett, Judd, White
Out - McLean (hip), Thornton (omitted), Waite (Omitted)